The EU will decide the future of Ukrainian refugees in June: what is known?

Due to the ongoing war in Ukraine, millions of Ukrainian refugees have found shelter in European Union countries. In June 2025, the EU will make an important decision that will determine the future of Ukrainian refugees after 2026. This issue has been discussed among EU leaders, and we will soon find out how the temporary protection status for Ukrainians will change. Learn more about what awaits Ukrainian refugees after the June meeting

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Ukraine is experiencing one of the most difficult periods in its history, and refugees from the country have become an important part of European society. After the war began, thousands of Ukrainians found refuge in various European Union countries and were granted temporary protection status. However, in the near future, in June of this year, the European Union will make an important decision that will determine the future of Ukrainian refugees after 2026.

How exactly will the situation change for those who were forced to leave their homeland, and what exactly will be decided at the June EU meeting? Read more in this article.

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The EU's position on extending temporary protection

The situation with Ukrainian refugees in Europe remains a topic of discussion among European Union leaders. The temporary protection granted to Ukrainians after the start of the war is valid until March 2026. However, given the duration of the war and the complex geopolitical circumstances, the EU is already deciding how to proceed after this date.

In June 2025, an important meeting of EU interior ministers will take place to discuss further policy on refugees from Ukraine. This meeting will be crucial, as it may determine the terms, conditions and possible changes to the temporary protection of Ukrainians in the European Union after 2026.

Anna Fedoryshyna, a lawyer at the Visit Ukraine portal, notes: ‘Formally, all countries are in favour of extending protection. But actions at the national level are different. And it is these actions that determine the reality for Ukrainians, as states clearly want to reduce the pressure on public resources.’

This may indicate that even though temporary protection status remains formally in force, countries may make changes to the conditions for refugees. For a detailed discussion of temporary protection status with an expert from the Visit Ukraine portal, follow the link.

How are EU countries responding to the situation in Ukraine?

The European Union has become a safe haven for millions of Ukrainian refugees, providing them with temporary protection. EU countries differ in the number of refugees they have accepted, but most of them are actively working on their integration. The Czech Republic, for example, has already accepted more than 160,000 Ukrainians, most of whom are employed in the local economy. Other countries, such as Poland, Germany and Spain, are also successfully applying similar integration experiences.

In particular, the Czech Republic, which is one of the largest host countries for Ukrainians, has already signed a number of agreements to set up special centres to help Ukrainians adapt to their new environment. Centres such as Unity Hub provide advice on temporary protection, help with finding work and offer cultural support. However, the question of further steps to be taken by European countries for Ukrainian refugees remains open.

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Could there be changes in EU policy on temporary protection?

At the June meeting of EU interior ministers, where further steps for Ukrainian refugees will be discussed, the overall security situation in Ukraine and Europe will play an important role. It is possible that the EU will decide to extend temporary protection for Ukrainians or, conversely, to change their status or even return them to national asylum programmes.

Depending on how the situation in Ukraine and Europe develops, the EU's decisions could have a significant impact on the lives of millions of refugees. The issue of extending temporary protection is vital for many Ukrainians, as it determines not only their legal status but also their access to work, education and social services in their countries of residence.

How can Ukrainians prepare for changes in the EU?

Given that the future of temporary protection will be decided in June, Ukrainians residing in the EU should pay attention to changes in legislation and possible innovations. During this period, it is important to stay up to date with all updates regarding immigration policy and to have all the necessary documents on hand to continue your stay in the country.

Anna Fedoryshyna, an expert at the Visit Ukraine portal, notes: ‘If a person has no grounds for staying (e.g., official employment or study) in an EU country, they may be denied further legalisation after the temporary protection expires.’

This highlights the importance of proper legal status for Ukrainians planning to stay in Europe. For more information on the return of Ukrainians after the war, what the law says and what awaits refugees in Europe, read here.

If you want to be sure of your legal status and receive qualified advice on migration issues, seek help from the professional migration lawyers at Visit Ukraine. Our experts will provide you with support on all aspects of migration and help you navigate all the changes.

Book a consultation now and get qualified assistance with migration issues!

Reminder! The European Union is tightening asylum rules by announcing a new list of ‘safe countries.’ How these changes will affect Ukrainians under temporary protection in the EU and why human rights activists are criticising this decision — find out more at the link.

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